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Duration
4 days
Activities
  • 4 days hiking
Accommodation
  • 1 night B&B
  • 2 nights camping
Meals
  • 3 Dinners
  • 3 Lunches
  • 3 Breakfasts

Price

$USD

* All prices subject to applicable taxes

THIS TRIP IS
100% CARBON OFFSET
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Trip Code: WCB

Overview

Trip highlights

  • Admire some the world's largest spruce and cedar trees
  • Hike in an emerald old-growth forest on the West Coast Trail
  • Explore the coastal beauty, several caves, and secluded beaches
  • Enjoy a whale and marine wildlife viewing tour
  • Spot whales, sea lions, eagles, bears and other wildlife along the shoreline

Renowned by outdoor enthusiasts as one of the world’s best hikes, Vancouver Island’s rugged West Coast Trail is a bucket list destination. And there’s no better way for you to confirm it than to try it out. On this shorter version of the stunning Pacific coastal wilderness adventure, you’ll hike in the emerald old-growth forest, swim beneath a waterfall, and observe a wide variety of wildlife. The evening will be spent at a comfort camping in a truly gorgeous location, our base camp for the next few days. This portion of the West Coast Trail from Nitinaht Lake, in the Pacific Rim National Park, connects with the traditional territory of the Ditidaht First Nation. Learn about the natural wonders and history around abandoned indigenous settlements, fishing communities, and picturesque lighthouses along the way. Spot wolf prints or breaching whales as we cross secluded beaches under the gaze of bald eagles soaring overhead. If you’re short on time and looking for an outstanding hiking experience, that’s the one!

Activities:
Grading:
5

Moderate

More info about grading system

Itinerary

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Our shuttle will pick you up from one of the ferries or at a nearby hotel downtown. As we drive towards the West Coast Trail, we make a quick stop at Cowichan Lake to purchase any forgotten items that may be needed for the trip. Lunch will be en route on our way to Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park. This area is home to some of the world’s largest spruce and cedar trees, estimated to be over 1,000 years old, ideal for our first hike. We then drive on a dirt logging road to the Ditidaht First Nation on Nitinaht Lake, where you will be welcomed at a bed and breakfast in the village of Malachan.

Meals:  D

Our boat departs the dock at Nitinaht Lake at 8 am to the famous Nitinaht Narrows. Keep an eye out as we enjoy a whale and marine wildlife viewing tour. Once on shore, we hike 2.5km/1.5mi to Tsuquadra, where our comfort camping awaits. This area once was home to over 600 Ditidaht warriors who would guard the entrance of Nitinaht Lake, watching over the seas. Today, this area offers newly built tented cabins. The remains of longhouses can still be seen among the trees. This area also features several caves and a beautiful, secluded beach. Relax and enjoy being immersed in nature at this simple yet lovely former warrior village.

Meals:  B,L,D

Hiking on a portion of the West Coast Trail, we head towards Tsusiat Falls, a truly spectacular natural feature. Soaking in the atmosphere, we spend time swimming under the falls and relaxing on the beach. Along the way in or on return (tide dependant), we make our way to the intriguing sea arch called ‘Hole in the wall,” a rock wall resulting from the erosion from the Pacific Ocean tidal swells. In the afternoon, we return to our base camp at Tsuquadra.

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast, our hike takes us back down the trail to Nitinaht Narrows, along the cliffs overlooking the Olympic Peninsula and Pacific coast. We stop at a beach with stunning views out to Cheewaht Lake, where we can relax and reflect over the last few days. The ferry dock offers fresh crab, salmon, or halibut, and baked potatoes making it the perfect place for lunch before our departing by boat. Once at Nitinaht Lake Village, we drive back to Victoria along Cowichan Lake, retracing our incoming route or along the Pacific Marine Circuit/Port Renfrew.

Meals:  B,L

Inclusions

What's included

  • 3 nights accommodation, double occupancy
  • 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
  • Service of a local wilderness guide
  • Private transportation from/to the departure location
  • Hiker pass and camping fees
  • Top of the line tent
  • Group camping equipment including all cooking gear, tarps, and meal preparation
  • Emergency communications & group first aid kit

  • Travel to point of origin (Nanaimo) and return.
  • Accommodation before or after the trek
  • Items of a personal nature- alcoholic beverages, car parking etc
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals other than those listed in the itinerary
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and backpacks (available for rent)
  • Applicable taxes
  • Park Pass (approx C$40pp) or Parks Canada Discovery Pass (approx C$70pp). Must be purchased directly with Parks Canada. Instructions will be provided upon booking.

Suitability

Moderate

5

The full pack and often unstable terrain give this trip a added challenge to this 'moderate' trek, but anyone undertaking a full pack trek should be aware of the physical and mental demands involved. These are designed for experienced adventurers as the trek will involve off trail hiking, unstable footing, and rough terrain. Sometimes while carrying your own gear in a full pack. This trek is intended for experienced hikers. We recommend that people begin their fitness preparation immediately upon booking. Solid work outs that are aerobic (hill walking, jogging, swimming, biking or gym work) of up to one hour each day is a guide to a routine training program. The best preparation is hiking with a full pack, involving relatively steep ascents and descents. If you can be as fit and prepared as possible, you will enjoy the trip so much more. Please note that this trip involves a little participation. For example: putting up/taking down tents, washing up your own dishes, and potentially filtering your own water (made super easy with our MSR filters).

Departure dates


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Priceper person from

$USD

* All prices subject to applicable taxes

Options & Supplements*
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Our Expertise

Everyone who works with us, from our office staff, ground staff and guides is the ‘’real deal’’. Our team is comprised of actual hikers and cyclists who have explored or live in the region in which you will be travelling. Our entire network is highly-specialised in active travel.

Great Value

Quality services at the best price make our adventures great value for money. Having essential items included like National Park fees, charming accommodations, most meals, bikes for cycling trips, maps and support for peace of mind. Our inclusions allow you to better budget for your big adventure.

Innovative Itineraries

We look beyond the horizon to find new and exciting adventures. We’re passionate about shaping the next generation of outdoor travel in Canada, and constantly seek different ways, routes and alternatives to exceed our clients’ dreams.

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We are committed to responsible travel and true sustainability, formed when the company was established, and in the face of a multitude of threats to the environment, our commitment is stronger than ever. We aim to "leave no trace" in both an environmental and cultural sense.